If searching for Microsoft authorised training, it stands to reason you'll want training providers to supply a wide selection of the best training courses available today. Perhaps you'd like to talk through what you're looking to do with an advisor - and if you're not sure, then get some ideas on what kind of IT job would be best, based on your personality and ability level. Ensure your training program is personalised to your current level of knowledge and ability. Select a company that will make sure that the training is designed for the career you want to get into.

The best type of training package will undoubtedly also offer accredited simulation materials and exam preparation packages. Often students can be thrown off course by practicing questions for their exams that don't come from official sources. Often, the terminology in the real exams is startlingly different and it's important to prepare yourself for this. Ensure that you have some simulated exam questions so you can verify your knowledge at all times. Mock exams will help to boost your attitude - then you're much more at ease with the real thing.

The somewhat scary thought of securing your first IT job can be eased by some training providers because they offer a Job Placement Assistance programme. Sometimes, too much is made of this feature, for it is actually not that hard for any focused and well taught person to find work in the IT environment - as employers are keen to find appropriately trained staff.

However, what is relevant is to have advice and support about your CV and interviews though; and we'd recommend all students to get their CV updated the day they start training - don't put it off for when you're ready to start work. A good number of junior support jobs have been bagged by people who are still learning and haven't got any qualifications yet. This will at least get you into the 'maybe' pile of CV's - rather than the 'No' pile. If you'd like to keep travelling time and costs to a minimum, then you'll probably find that an independent and specialised local employment service can generally be more appropriate than a national service, as they're going to know the local job scene.

A common aggravation for many course providers is how much trainees are prepared to work to get top marks in their exams, but how un-prepared they are to work on getting the job they've studied for. Get out there and hustle - you might find it's fun.

'Exam Guarantees' are often bundled with training offers - inevitably that means paying for the exams when you pay for the rest of your course. Before you jump at the chance of a guarantee, consider this:

Obviously it isn't free - you're still paying for it - the cost has just been rolled into the whole training package. We all want to pass first time. Entering examinations one at a time and funding them one at a time has a marked effect on pass-rates - you prepare appropriately and are mindful of the investment you've made.

Sit the exam somewhere local and find the best deal for you at the time. Paying in advance for exams (plus interest - if you're financing your study) is madness. It's not your job to boost the training company's account with your hard-earned cash just to give them a good cash-flow! Some will be pinning their hopes on the fact that you won't get round to taking them - then they'll keep the extra money. Re-takes of previously unsuccessful exams with companies who offer an 'Exam Guarantee' are tightly controlled. You will be required to do mock exams to make sure they think you're going to pass.

Exam fees averaged 112 pounds or thereabouts twelve months or so ago through UK VUE or Prometric centres. So what's the point of paying maybe a thousand pounds extra for 'an Exam Guarantee', when any student knows that the most successful method is a commitment to studying and the use of authorised exam preparation tools.

A typical blunder that students everywhere can make is to focus entirely on getting a qualification, instead of focusing on the desired end-result. Schools are stacked to the hilt with students who chose a course based on what sounded good - in place of something that could gain them the job they want. It's quite usual, for example, to get a great deal of enjoyment from a year of study only to end up putting 20 long years into a career that does nothing for you, as a consequence of not performing the correct research at the outset.

Make sure you investigate what your attitude is towards career development, earning potential, and if you're ambitious or not. It makes sense to understand what the role will demand of you, which particular qualifications will be required and in what way you can develop commercial experience. We'd recommend you seek advice from an experienced professional before you begin some particular study path, so there's no doubt that the specific package will give the appropriate skill-set.

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